It is officially a fact, not only can you improve your overall well-being with the best yoga techniques, but you can relax and enjoy yourself in the comforts of benevolent and well-trained dogs. This particular type of suggestion involves booking a spot at Paws for Thought for a memorable experience. This is a company that offers vegetarian yoga retreats in a beautiful house, strategically located in the lush and beautiful countryside of Waldron, Sussex away from all the conventional everyday distractions. More so, you can also carry your dog along as a companion for the retreat.

Paws for Thought was founded to fulfill the owner’s dream of combining all her passions and unique wellness escapades along with her love for dogs. Her primary goal was to provide pet-friendly vegetarian yoga retreats where people could have fun while at the same time engage in myriad forms of wellness strategies such as Yoga.

Benefits

Improved physical and mental well-being- while yoga may seem like a new-age pursuit to some people, countless studies have proven that it has excellent benefits on your mental and physical health. In fact, these sorts of techniques have been practiced by prehistoric communities and have been passed down from generations to generations. At Paws for Thought you can enjoy the many benefits of yoga knowing your dog or dogs are also being very-well cared for.

Affordable service packages

Perhaps the single most important aspect of this retreat for many is the packages are pocket-friendly. The client can book a retreat that accommodates all their needs. More so, the rooms are quite luxurious and various packages are on offer to suit your budget requirements. While the rooms may not have TVs as watching TV is against the yoga retreat philosophy, Wi-Fi connectivity is available so you can keep up with your day to day activities.

Payment methods

The client can choose from a host of payment methods including PayPal and all major credit cards. Moreover, customers can also make or cancel bookings six weeks before the retreats starts. For those who want to book a particular retreat date but don’t have the funds at the time, it is possible to place a stipulated deposit amount upon which your place will be reserved for you.

When you think of the benefits of being able to enjoy one of the most luxury retreats near London available along with your pet, this holiday is a fabulous idea for those seeking to escape and wind down from the stresses of everyday life while engaging in wellness techniques. In addition, this is a great way to meet like-minded people who share your interests.

Whether you have played lots of sport in the past or haven’t had a crack at it since school, it can be a great way to get in shape without thinking too much about the exercise.

Unlike running or going to the gym (which aren’t for everybody) it is hard to take your mind off the very obvious exhausting exercise you are doing.

Sport keeps your mind occupied on a goal and hopefully allows you to have fun whilst getting you in shape. If you are someone who says “sport isn’t for me” then chances are you haven’t looked far enough.

There is so much to have a crack at, from football to water polo, and hockey to Quidditch (yes it’s actually a sport now) so go and try some out, there is something out there for everyone.

Home workouts

It’s understandable that some of us are self conscious when working out so would prefer to do it in the comfort of our own homes.

Thankfully the home fitness world has developed massively over the last few years. As well as there being more fitness DVD’s, personal gyms and accessories available than ever, there is also plenty of advice awaiting you online.

Join a health club

Some people find the best way of getting in shape is investing in a membership of a gym or health club. The first great thing about a health club is that there is so much on offer.

Places like The Shrewsbury Club offer everything from a gym to tennis courts, from a swimming pool to Zumba classes.

Whether you feel more comfortable popping in your earphones and hitting the treadmill or a dance fitness class with a group of your friends, there is often so much on offer

Find a training buddy

Motivation can play a big part in why many people struggle to stick to a fitness regime, no matter the type of exercise. It’s always easy for the first week or two, but eventually those early morning runs become second best to the idea of an extra hour in bed.

If this sounds like you then maybe the best option is to buddy up with a friend. Working out with someone else, be it in a sports team, running together or going to the gym together can be that extra bit of support you have been missing.

With a friend or friends you can help push each other when one of you is perhaps being a bit lazy and at the same time compliment each other when you have worked hard.

There are even apps to help you and your friends along the way which can be a great choice!

Sleep Well

Not sleeping well? Get yourself a natural sleeping aid. Alteril is probably the best natural sleep aid you can buy. I use it every night, since I started sleeping erratically round Xmas time, and now sleep like a baby!

Alter your diet

The most common mistake made by people trying to get fit or lose weight is changing their diet drastically. Swapping their three meals per day for two kale and quinoa salads is only ever going to end in disaster because it just isn’t sustainable.

Try easing in healthier options, but not all at once. If you are hitting some high intensity workouts, find room for more protein in your diet and try replacing those despicably delicious junk food snacks like chocolate and crisps with things like plain mixed nuts, dried and fresh fruit.

At least a couple of these tips will ring true with all of us and hopefully help you find the right fitness regime to suit you. While advice is great it is ultimately down to your own hard work and commitment and knowing the more you put in, the more you will get out of it.

]]>Weight Loss & Exercise: Lose Inches and Fat By Building Musclehttp://www.mendofoodfreedom.com/weight-loss-exercise-lose-inches-and-fat-by-building-muscle/
Tue, 22 Dec 2015 11:25:47 +0000http://www.mendofoodfreedom.com/?p=959Many people have an idol whey they first start on the path to losng weight and getting fit, it could be Kate Upton, an Olympian, or perhaps one of those guys or girls who takes part in bodybuilding competitions. Having goals and somebody to look up to is important for motivation.

First, when you start exercising, realize that hitting the track or gym every day probably isn’t going to do you much good at first. You’ll tire out your muscles, get sore, and probably become discouraged and disinterested. A better way is to get into a routine that will make things easy for you to develop good habits. Go back to basics: once you have mastered these and are firmly on your way you can move on to more intense, complex workouts. Exercising too often or too much is one of the most common reasons for people to burn out.

A basic workout routine should start out with three to four days a week of whole body workout. Remember: listen to your body and keep it slow. Three days might be more than enough for you. Your muscles need plenty of time to recuperate between workouts. This is what allows them to grow, after all! Having at least a day in between workouts is important.

When you go to work out, stick to basic exercises at first. Exercises like the bench press, squats, curls, and crunches are all great exercises that pretty much everybody can do. They’re effective, too, so stick with them. Another important thing to keep in mind is that you should work out your entire body. Make sure not to neglect your lower body, for example.

When you do these exercises, pay attention to your form. This is one reason why trying to use too much weight is really counterproductive. If you can’t do the exercise correctly because you’re using too much weight, you won’t get as much out of the exercise. Putting your muscles through their full range of motion is important for building them. Do the exercises correctly, and they’re much more effective.

Make sure your diet matches your workout goals. If you’re looking to lose weight, you should be eating a diet low in fat and empty calories. If you’re looking to build muscle, you might want to consider a protein supplement. Seek the advice of a health coach or a weight loss doctor if you are not sure which foods you should be eating.

Finally, if you start off slowly, you’ve got plenty of room to grow with your workout. If you follow this advice and start with a basic routine three to four times a week, you’ll soon start to see improvements. Gaining muscle will be easier because you’re giving your body plenty of time to rest in between and you’re doing the exercises with good form and at an appropriate weight level.

]]>Gain Lean Muscle Mass to Lose Weight Quicklyhttp://www.mendofoodfreedom.com/gain-lean-muscle-mass-to-lose-weight-quickly/
Thu, 24 Sep 2015 10:51:04 +0000http://www.mendofoodfreedom.com/?p=791If you want to gain lean muscle mass and reduce body fat, then it’s important to have a solid game plan in place that addresses all of your nutritional and fitness needs. If you don’t, then you will find yourself simultaneously gaining mass and fat, which means you’ll never achieve that lean, cut look you’re after. Here are 7 tips to help you gain lean muscle mass without the fat:

Tip #1

Stick to a diet that consists of high quality fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Not only are these vital to muscle recovery and growth, but they provide much needed energy and boost your immune system as well. Healthy protein choices include lean beef or venison, low fat dairy products, eggs and chicken breasts. Healthy carbohydrates include vegetables, fruits, whole wheat pasta, whole grain bread, oatmeal and beans. Finally, be sure to include healthy fats from avocados, olive oils, seeds and nuts.

Tip #2

You need to always stay hydrated! In general, this means consuming around 10 cups of water per day. It’s also vital that you avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, energy drinks and sodas as much as possible because they can cause dehydration.

Tip #3

Keep your metabolism in overdrive by eating more smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large ones. Space your meals two or three hours apart and always make sure that each meal contains a healthy balance of proteins and carbohydrates. For example, a chicken breast in a whole wheat wrap with lettuce and tomatoes would be a perfect midday meal.

Tip #4

To maximize your results and avoid injury, it’s important to focus on compound exercises like lunges, twist curls, close grip push-ups, deadlifts, upright rows and bench presses. All of these exercises incorporate more than one muscle group and more than one joint range of motion. This is vital because if one muscle group becomes too strong in relation to another, this can cause serious injuries.

Tip #5

As soon as you finish your workout, you need to feed your muscles because they desperately need vital nutrients after the abuse you just put them through. Without them, they can’t rebuild torn muscle fibers and build lean muscle mass. The quickest way to meet your body’s needs after a workout is to drink a whey protein shake mixed with milk, water or grape juice.

Tip #6

Even though your focus is on building lean muscle mass, don’t neglect your cardio! You still want to do 30 to 45 minutes of cardio three times a week on days you’re not weight training. This doesn’t have to be running, which many find to be boring. You can also do rowing, arc training, elliptical training, stair climbing or cycling.

Tip #7

Last but not least, make sure you get plenty of rest! Your body performs most of its rebuilding and repairing tasks while you sleep, so if you ever want to see the results of all those hours spent in the gym, it’s vital that you get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.

]]>How Yoga Can Help You Cope with Diabeteshttp://www.mendofoodfreedom.com/how-yoga-can-help-you-cope-with-diabetes/
Thu, 24 Sep 2015 10:49:38 +0000http://www.mendofoodfreedom.com/?p=788Diabetes mellitus is a frightening health disorder. It is estimated to affect around twenty million people in the United States alone, and a hundred million more people worldwide. Diabetes is an ailment that affects everyone, regardless of age, sex, religion or ethnic descent. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that from 1990 to 1998, the numbers of people affected by diabetes shot up by 33 percent. While the current prospects may look bleak, health experts and wellness advocates however see a ray of hope in the horizon, since there are a number of alternative therapies for controlling blood sugar and warding off the negative consequences of diabetes. One of the alternative techniques for treating diabetes is yoga. This article explains how yoga can help in the treatment of diabetes, as well as in preventing its onset.

Diabetes Can Be Controlled By Adopting A Healthy Lifestyle

Yoga is a centuries-old practice, which aims to overall improve the individual’s body and mind. A number of health studies have indicated that diabetes can be controlled and effectively managed by adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercise, diet, as well as by practicing yoga. Just what exactly causes diabetes? In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, which is a hormone that breaks down blood sugar in the body. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas manufactures just the right amount of insulin, however the fails to effectively respond to it.

How Yoga Can Help Stimulate Insulin Production

A number of yoga advocates agree that yoga’s different poses and exercises can do a great deal in stimulating the pancreas, to produce the right amount of insulin. And yoga just doesn’t stimulate the pancreas, but all the other vital body systems as well, to effectively create a harmonious balance in the body. Since diabetes deals or has got something to do with carbohydrate metabolism, yogic movements such as chamjan, which refers to the yogic form of walking that involves deep breathing and mantra, can do a lot in enhancing the body’s metabolism. Yoga is but just one of the major components of treating diabetes; however it surely offers a great deal in rejuvenating the person’s body and mind, in order to allow the person to stay healthy and in good spirits.

A recent report made by the New England Journal of Medicine has reported that exercise plays a crucial role in the treatment of diabetes. Exercise helps to increase insulin sensitivity, and also does wonders when it comes to reducing blood sugar levels too. The New England Journal of Medicine also added that those who are at a higher risk of contracting type 2 diabetes can reduce their chances of getting it by 58 percent, if they are able to lose at least 10 pounds, adopt a healthy diet and do a lot of exercise. Some South Asian and European studies have also indicated that yoga does a great deal when it comes to reducing blood sugar levels, because yoga offers an array of unique exercises, rhythmic breathing and meditation work, which help in stimulating the pancreas as well as in producing more insulin.

]]>Keep Fit & Healthy With Greek Olive Oilhttp://www.mendofoodfreedom.com/greek-olive-oil-a-wonderfood-for-cardiac-patients/
Thu, 24 Sep 2015 10:48:27 +0000http://www.mendofoodfreedom.com/?p=785Heart disease is one of the biggest killers in the world, and a serious cardiac incident requires huge changes in attitude, lifestyle and diet. Everybody knows that saturated fats and a sedentary lifestyle are major contributors to the problem, but we never seem to do anything about it. Most people seek a wonder-food that will provide an easy answer, fooled by news-papers producing headlines promoting the next ‘Big Thing.’ These fads last for a few weeks, until the next super-food comes along, or genuine research proves the pseudo-science wrong. Cardiac diets are big business, yet the cheapest and simplest of all is the most effective.

The only way to reduce the likelihood of serious cardiac conditions, and speed up recovery, is to make a dietary change. Unfortunately, this is the one thing that people are reluctant to change, falsely perceiving that healthy food means no flavour. Fortunately, there is one way of changing your diet whilst actually improving the taste. The ‘Golden Food,’ as any Mediterranean knows, is Greek olive oil. Replacing saturated fat in your diet with Greek olive oil conveys major health benefits for cardiac patients, whilst tasting divine.A Greek Breakfast, of tomatoes and Feta, drizzled with oil, is a healthy start to the day.

At this point, I must point out that I am not a dietician. Any dietary change, for a cardiac patient, requires specialist advice. Olive oil is a great food for helping patients with heart disease, but every individual case is different.
Greek Olive Oil – Omega Oils and Health Benefits for Cardiac Patients

The Greeks have one of the lowest incidences of heart disease in the world, and one of the longest average life spans in Europe, at 79 years. This is attributed mainly to their balanced and healthy diet, but also to their liberal use of Greek olive oil, a healthy mono-unsaturated fat.

The key to the health benefits of Greek olive oil is a group of compounds known as ‘phytochemicals.’ These give many health benefits by; thinning the blood, reducing inflammation of the blood vessels, and reducing the levels of cholesterol. An American Journal of Medicine article reported a total cholesterol reduction of 13.4% in cardiac patients, when saturated fat was replaced with unsaturated fat.

Other compounds, called polyphenols, prevent hardening of the arteries and reduce plaque deposits, as well as mop up harmful ‘free-radicals.’ Oleocanthol is a wonderful anti-inflammatory, reducing the chance of cardiac problems, and also alleviating rheumatic conditions. The media, a few years ago, promoted the benefits of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats. This is true, but it is important that the diet contains the correct ratio. Olive oil and oily fish are the only foods to provide the correct proportion of these fats.

Greek olive oil is not only beneficial for patients with heart problems. It is strongly linked with lowering the risk of cancer, especially in the bowel. As part of a balanced diet, it reduces the chances of developing Type II Diabetes. Good quality oil gives all of these health benefits, without compromising upon flavour. Instead of spending a fortune upon cholesterol reducing spreads, drizzle olive oil onto your bread, simple and effective traditional Greek folk medicine.

The Best Greek Olive Oils

The best olive oil is the Extra Virgin type, combining health benefits with a beautifully rich flavour. Many consumers avoid buying ‘cloudy’ oil, containing floating sediment, but this is by far the best oil. Most of the good chemicals are contained within the sediment, as well as the intense taste sensation. Good quality olive oil does not degrade when heated, maintaining all of the flavour and health benefits for cardiac patients.

Naturally, I am biased, and believe that Greek olive oil is the finest and most flavoursome. The best Greek oil comes from Crete; it is guaranteed to be organic, and tastes nutty and smooth. The next best comes from Kalamata, in the Peloponnese. If you cannot find or afford Greek oil, do not worry – Italy, Spain, California and Australia, as well as a host of other countries, produce good oil.

It is false economy to buy cheap oil, because the production method and the straining remove a lot of the goodness. Pay a little extra and use the best oil that you can afford. Even better, adopt a Mediterranean diet, with fresh vegetables, fruit, red wine and good bread. The simplest foods become divine with a drizzling of oil. I love a Greek Salad drenched in fine oil, or some Feta cheese, tomatoes and herbs on olive oil drenched bread. My favourite food of all is a plate of fresh greens, served with olive oil and lemon juice.

There is one downside to olive oil; although olive oil as part of a balanced cardiac diet is wonderful, it is still a fat. If your doctor has advised you to lose weight, you still need to follow a dietician’s plans. Replace the saturated fat in your cardiac diet with Greek olive oil, instead of using it as an excuse to coat all of your food in lashings of oil.

If you have no problem with weight, fire away – it tastes wonderful. I must post some nice vegetarian Greek recipes sometime!